A Guide to Autoclave Cost: 5 Examples

When you’re looking to make a big purchase, autoclave cost matters.

You want a pressure vessel that will keep your production processes running smoothly and keep your operating costs as low as possible.

Of course, there are different prices for the various types of autoclaves, and what it’s being used for is the biggest factor in determining what kind of vessel you need.

Here’s help understanding what’s available, as well as some examples of autoclave cost.

Consider this before looking for an autoclave

Your initial feeling maybe that going used is the best way to manage autoclave cost.

But buying a used autoclave isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.

You can read more about why it isn’t worth the risk here, but suffice it to say, a new autoclave – custom-built for your specific needs – is your best bet.

Different types of autoclaves 

There are a lot of different kinds of autoclaves, spanning a variety of industries.

Here are some of the most common types, their specifications and how much they cost.

1. Front Loading Horizontal Autoclave WX Series 

This type of autoclave is used for sterilization purposes. Here are some stats about this autoclave that are important to know:

• Sterilization chamber volume: 300-500 L
• Sterilization temperature range: 220 degrees F – 273 degrees F
• Cost: $57,900 – $12,400
• Its features include:
  • Automatic water shortage control that is electrically-powered.
  • Microcomputer display system with LCD for both temperature and time.
  • Error analysis.
  • Failure warning display system (with a system to automatically discharge excess pressure at 0.22-0.23 Mpa.
  • Two pressure gauges. One displays inner pressure and the other displays inner-layer pressure.
  • Made of food-grade stainless steel.

2. Top Loading Vertical Autoclave

This kind of autoclave is also used for sterilization.

• Sterilization chamber volume: 30 L
• Sterilization temperature range: 122 degrees F – 258 degrees F
• Cost: $1,200 – $1,300
• Features:
  • LCD screen system that displays the working condition of the autoclave.
  • Discharges pressure of 0.1460 – 165 MPa.
  • Automatically shuts down and alerts the user with a beep when sterilization is complete.

3. Bench-Top Automatic Dental

As the name implies, this autoclave is used for sterilizing dental instruments.

• Sterilization chamber volume: 35 L.
• Pressure: 0.22 MPa.
• Sterilization temperature range: 122 degrees F – 258 degrees F.
• Cost: $100 – $1779.
• Features include: Made of Class II acid-proof stainless steel.

4. Continuous Autoclave

This larger autoclave is used for sterilization of items such as glass, cans, bottles and plastic packaging material.

• Sterilization chamber volume: 600 L – 4000 L
• Pressure: 0.35 MPa
• Sterilization temperature range: 284 degrees F
• Cost: $100 – $1779
• Features include:
  • Semi-automatic and computer-controlled.
  • Made of SUS304 stainless steel.

5. Pulse Vacuum Autoclave

This autoclave is used for sterilization of a wide range of materials due to its availability in varying sizes.

• Sterilization chamber volume: varies, depending on model
• Pressure: 0.245 MPa
• Sterilization temperature range: 282 degrees F
• Cost: $11,500 – $30,000
• Features include:
  • Made with acid-proof stainless steel.
  • PLC touchscreen system.
  • Available in a variety of models.

Understand autoclave cost

This list of various types of autoclaves gives you an idea of what you may need to spend to get a vessel that meets your needs for increased production and revenue.

As you can see, autoclave cost varies greatly and finding out exactly what you need can be tricky.

But you don’t have to go it alone. Get some guidance from the experts.